Cricket

Jason Holder, the former West Indies captain, has hailed England's third white-ball tour of the Caribbean in as many years as a "massive boost" to the survival of his team as an international force. Holder believes that the tour is a way for England to repay the debt they owe to the West Indies for helping to save the finances of English cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic.In 2020, the West Indies squad led by Holder played three Tests behind closed doors in Manchester and Southampton at the height of the Covid outbreak. This tour helped to mitigate the ECB's losses during the pandemic, which could have been upwards of £380 million had their entire summer schedule been cancelled.Holder believes that England have been fulfilling their side of the bargain by touring the Caribbean so frequently. "It's a fair way of putting it," Holder told ESPNcricinfo. "We've obviously had the English coming over for the last three years consecutively. And that has definitely boosted, not only our economy within the Caribbean, but it adds a massive boost to our survival in international cricket."Despite the financial disparities between the two boards, the Caribbean has been a particularly tough destination for England teams in recent years. The Test team hasn't won a series in the region since 2004, while the white-ball squads have lost each of the last three series: 3-2 in the T20Is in both 2022 and 2023, and 2-1 in their last ODI campaign in December last year.Holder is looking forward to the contest, which he believes will be keenly contested as both teams are in a transitionary phase. "England have obviously got a point to prove, and they'll be trying a few different combinations to see what works. And likewise, with West Indies, we've got a lot of youngsters within our cohort, and it is important for them to just gain experience, gain confidence and gain knowledge. I think these series will go a long way to developing our base at a rapid rate."One of the most exciting young players in the West Indies squad is 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, who made his ODI debut in their most recent match against Sri Lanka. Holder believes that Andrew has a bright future ahead of him. "He definitely stood up. He looks a very easy-going player. He's got time, and any top-order batter who shows signs of having time is promising."Holder himself hasn't been involved in West Indies' white-ball set-up since pulling out of their T20 World Cup plans through injury in June. He will instead be a studio pundit for TNT in the UK throughout the eight-match tour.Looking back on the T20 World Cup, in which England's Super Eights victory in St Lucia proved critical to West Indies' hopes of reaching the last four, Holder acknowledged it had been a missed opportunity for a strong squad to do something special in front of their home fans. But, with players such as Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer set to face England in the coming campaign, he's confident there will be other chances for this team to compete for global trophies in the coming years.

Mohammad Rizwan: Pakistan's New Limited-Overs CaptainPakistan's newly appointed limited-overs captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has revealed that he never actively sought the role. Rizwan took over from Babar Azam as Pakistan's white-ball captain following the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) latest leadership announcement. He will lead the team in the upcoming three-match ODI and T20I series against Australia."I never desired or asked for captaincy. If it's granted by Allah, one shouldn't refuse. I never sought captaincy," Rizwan said.He emphasized that his focus as captain will be on developing future leaders for the team. "Regarding the past, everyone had their opinions on this. Even when Saifee was captain, I offered him suggestions, and he did the same for me. Now that I've become captain, all the players will be captains for the team. My focus will be that when I leave cricket, there will be more captain material ready for the team," he added.Pakistan is coming off a 2-1 Test series win at home against England and is set to face Australia in an ODI series starting on November 4, followed by three T20Is. The ODIs will take place in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, while the T20Is will be hosted in Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart.Reflecting on his new role, Rizwan said, "One of my wishes is to see the Pakistan team in the same kind of atmosphere that we had a couple of years ago. We were all with each other at any stage, whether things were working for us or not. Because of that, a lot of things worked in our favor back then.""The same things are present now also. But the difference is that we have more young talent along with seniors, and we wish that we all as a team gel together. It's a bit difficult when the seniors are playing and when the young lot comes and takes time to understand things. I guess during the Australia series, we will regain the same momentum that we had earlier," he added.Rizwan's appointment as captain has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that he is the right man for the job, while others question his leadership abilities. However, Rizwan is determined to prove his critics wrong and lead Pakistan to success in the upcoming series against Australia.

Pakistan's Exclusion of Fakhar Zaman Sparks ControversyPakistan's decision to exclude Fakhar Zaman from its white-ball squads for the upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe has drawn widespread criticism. The omission of the explosive opener has raised questions about the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) selection criteria and sparked outrage among fans and experts.Zaman, a key player in Pakistan's ODI and T20I setup, has been a consistent performer. His absence from these crucial tours has left many baffled. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi attributed the decision to both fitness concerns and Zaman's recent controversial social media activity.Naqvi explained that Zaman failed a fitness test and had not yet resolved a show-cause notice issued to him for criticizing the decision to drop former captain Babar Azam from the Test squad. The PCB has made it clear that public criticism of selection decisions will not be tolerated.Zaman's exclusion has overshadowed the announcement of new central contracts, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan retaining top-tier status and Shaheen Afridi demoted to Category B. The omission of Zaman has triggered outrage on social media, with many questioning the PCB's rationale.Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his disappointment, saying, "Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He should have been in the team." Fans have also taken to social media to voice their displeasure, with many calling for Zaman's reinstatement.The PCB's decision has put the spotlight on the importance of fitness and discipline within the Pakistan team. While Zaman's fitness concerns are understandable, his social media activity has also raised questions about his professionalism.The PCB will need to address these issues and ensure that the team is united and focused on the upcoming challenges. The exclusion of Fakhar Zaman has sent shockwaves through Pakistan cricket and will undoubtedly be a talking point in the lead-up to the Australia and Zimbabwe series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Mohammad Rizwan as the new captain of Pakistan's ODI and T20I teams, marking a significant shift in the nation's cricket leadership. The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batter replaces Babar Azam, who stepped down following a string of disappointing performances in major ICC tournaments.Rizwan's appointment comes after Pakistan's early exits from both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Babar Azam confirmed his resignation from the white-ball formats via social media, citing the need for a fresh start.The PCB has also appointed Salman Ali Agha as the vice-captain of the white-ball team, signaling a move towards a new era of leadership under Rizwan's guidance. Rizwan's experience and leadership skills, honed during his successful tenure as captain of the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), are expected to bring stability to Pakistan's white-ball squads.Rizwan will begin his captaincy journey with Pakistan's upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is. The tour will provide Rizwan with an opportunity to implement his strategies and build a cohesive team.Meanwhile, star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have been named in the squad for the Australia series but are set to be rested for the Zimbabwe tour later in the year. The PCB is also looking to introduce fresh talent during the Australia series, with Aamer Jamal, Saim Ayub, and Faisal Akram among the rising stars expected to make their mark.Rizwan's appointment as captain is a testament to his leadership abilities and his commitment to Pakistan cricket. With his experience, composure, and tactical acumen, Rizwan is expected to lead Pakistan's white-ball teams to greater heights and restore their status as a formidable force in international cricket.

England's white-ball squads for their upcoming Caribbean tour have been bolstered by the additions of Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed. Both players are currently with the Test team in Pakistan, but will join the white-ball squad in Antigua on Monday.Cox, the Essex wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make his Test debut in New Zealand and may leave the Caribbean early. He is likely to miss the five-match T20I series but will arrive in New Zealand in time for England's warm-up match on November 23.Rehan, who has been named in England's XI for the third Test in Pakistan, will arrive late in the Caribbean and is unlikely to feature in the first ODI against West Indies on November 31.Cox made his international debut in England's T20I series against Australia last month and is likely to win his first ODI cap in the Caribbean. He will also deputise as England's keeper in the New Zealand series, with Jamie Smith set to miss at least one Test on paternity leave.Rehan's involvement in the third Test in Pakistan is likely to rule him out of at least the first ODI, and he may not be considered until the T20Is. He is one of three wristspinners in England's squads along with Adil Rashid and Jafer Chohan.England announced that Liam Livingstone will captain them in their three ODIs in the Caribbean, with Jos Buttler missing that leg of the tour due to injury. Essex's Michael Pepper has also been added to the squads as cover.West Indies are 2-0 down in an ODI series in Sri Lanka ahead of the final match on Saturday and are yet to announce their squads for the series against England. The first ODI takes place in Antigua on November 31, with the tour running until the fifth T20I in St Lucia on November 17.

Saqib Mahmood, the 27-year-old Lancashire fast bowler, has signed a three-year white-ball deal with the club, but he insists that he still harbors ambitions of playing Test cricket for England.Mahmood, who made his Test debut in the Caribbean in March 2022, has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, including consecutive stress fractures of the back in 2022 and 2023. He has not played a first-class match for Lancashire since May, but he returned to the England set-up in last month's T20I series against Australia.Despite his injury woes, Mahmood remains determined to play Test cricket for England again. "While this is a white-ball contract, I still have an ambition to play red-ball cricket for England again and for Lancashire in the County Championship," he said. "There are options within this contract for that to happen."Lancashire's director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, said that the club's priority is to manage Mahmood's availability around their full Blast schedule. "This contract allows greater control over Saqib's availability during the Vitality Blast blocks in the summer," Chilton said. "This is something we will work closely with Saqib on, particularly around his franchise commitments."Mahmood's deal does not preclude him from forming part of the "stable" of fast bowlers that England head coach Brendon McCullum has said he wants to be able to call upon ahead of next year's Ashes tour. However, it represents a potential retreat from availability, with his previous injury issues meaning that a future on the T20 franchise circuit might be a prudent option for his longevity.The encroachment of franchise tournaments on the English season is a challenge to the county game that will require a coherent response going forward, according to ECB chief executive Richard Gould. "We are certainly hearing from our clubs and our members that we need to control things a little bit," Gould said. "We have to be proud of what we've got and protect it."

Sam Curran, the 26-year-old all-rounder, has expressed his disappointment at being overlooked for a Test recall despite Ben Stokes' injury. Curran, who was named Player of the Final and Tournament in England's T20 World Cup triumph in 2021, feels he has not been given a clear role in white-ball cricket and does not "fit the mould" of what England is looking for under Brendon McCullum.Curran's struggles in England's T20 title defense in the Caribbean earlier this year, where he took three wickets at 38.33 and batted for a total of 11 balls in five matches, have not helped his cause. He has also not featured in the ODI format since December 2023.In red-ball cricket, Curran's last Test appearance came against India in August 2021. He believes his physical limitations, particularly his height and pace, may be working against him.Despite his impressive record of contributing to winning causes, with 16 victories in his 24 Test caps, Curran has been unable to break into McCullum's England team. He acknowledges that Stokes' status as England's senior all-rounder is a factor, but also suspects that his physical attributes are not in line with the current trend towards taller, faster bowlers.Curran's omission from the recent Test series against Sri Lanka was particularly disappointing for him. He had hoped to use Stokes' injury as an opportunity to regain his place in the team.However, England's eight-match tour of the Caribbean offers Curran a chance to showcase his abilities. With several multi-format stars absent, he may have the opportunity to bat up the order and play a more central role.Curran remains determined to prove his worth and earn a place in England's Ashes squad and future Champions Trophy victory. He believes that scoring runs, taking wickets, and winning games for England or his franchises is the only way to achieve his goals.

Despite the cancellation of the fifth ODI due to rain, England's victorious squad gathered for their trophy presentation, with Jos Buttler mingling with fans despite his calf injury. Buttler's absence from the field has not diminished his popularity, highlighting the conundrum facing England's limited-overs captain.While Buttler has played a similar role to Ben Stokes during the Test series against Sri Lanka, his presence among the fans during the rain delay was a testament to his enduring status as a crowd favorite. Despite his hands-off approach, Buttler has been actively involved in the team's white-ball regeneration, working closely with players and coaches.Brendon McCullum, who will take over as head coach in 2025, identified Buttler's happiness as crucial to the team's revival. The promising results of the T20I series and the 3-2 ODI loss to Australia have shown that there is potential for growth under Buttler's leadership.Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick believes that Buttler's absence from the field has allowed him to step back and observe the team's dynamics, building relationships and understanding their strengths and weaknesses. Trescothick has been acting as McCullum's surrogate, communicating regularly about selection and strategy.Buttler is expected to return to the playing XI for the upcoming series against West Indies, but his exact role remains uncertain. The proximity to the Pakistan tour may mean that he resumes wicketkeeping, while Harry Brook's impressive leadership skills have raised questions about the long-term captaincy.Brook's ability to lead by example and his positive decision-making have made him a potential successor to Buttler. However, the final decision will rest with Buttler, who remains the team's captain for the foreseeable future.The focus for England and Buttler is to ensure that he slots back into the team seamlessly. The changes and conversations that have taken place during his absence have been aimed at creating an environment where Buttler can flourish and the next generation of players can develop.

Ben Stokes, the talismanic England all-rounder, has expressed his willingness to return to the white-ball setup if requested by head coach Brendon McCullum. However, Stokes emphasized that no such discussions have taken place yet, as his immediate focus remains on regaining fitness for the upcoming Test tour of Pakistan.Stokes, 33, has been a pivotal figure in England's recent white-ball triumphs, playing match-winning innings in both the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, he has not featured in an ODI since November 2022 and withdrew from the T20 World Cup in June to prioritize his fitness.Despite his previous retirement from ODIs and unavailability for the T20 World Cup, Stokes is now open to a cross-format comeback. He believes that McCullum's coaching philosophy, which has transformed the Test team, could have a similar impact on the white-ball sides."If I get the call and [Baz] says, 'do you want to come and play?' Then obviously, it's definitely going to be a yes," Stokes said. "But I'm not going to be too disappointed if I don't, because I can just sit back and watch everyone else go out and smack it."Stokes acknowledged that the white-ball team is undergoing a transition, with the emergence of young players like Jacob Bethell. He believes that it is important to prioritize the development of the next generation, but he is also willing to contribute if needed."I've played a lot of white-ball cricket for England, and I'm very happy with what I've achieved in that form of the game," Stokes added. "But to be honest, we've not even spoken about anything like that whatsoever."Stokes' immediate focus is on leading the Test team on their tour of Pakistan, which begins on October 7. He is confident of being fit for the first Test in Multan, but he will be cautious about his bowling workload after a hamstring injury."I've got my six-and-a-half week scan tomorrow, so we'll know more from that, but I'm feeling really good," Stokes said. "There's a lot more than just my hamstrings that I need to get back firing again, in terms of bowling, because you use everything."England's experience from their successful tour of Pakistan in 2022 will be valuable, but Stokes acknowledges that the conditions could be different this time around."It's probably not until we get out there that we'll have a real understanding of it," he said. "I know that Shan Masood [Pakistan's captain] has been asking for quicker, more lively wickets for their fast bowlers. Obviously, last time we were there, they were slow, dry and spun a bit. So, we've got to go there with an open mind about what we're going to get."